What is the diagnosis for a patient with hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and a urinalysis showing pyuria, bacteriuria, positive nitrite, and elevated urobilinogen?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 8, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis

The patient's laboratory results show an elevated glucose level, abnormal urinalysis, and other relevant findings. Based on these results, the following differential diagnoses can be considered:

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The presence of WBCs, bacteria, and a positive nitrite test in the urinalysis strongly suggests a UTI. The patient's symptoms and laboratory results are consistent with this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Diabetes Mellitus: The elevated glucose level (132) may indicate diabetes mellitus, especially if the patient has other risk factors or symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, or weight loss.
    • Dehydration: The elevated CO2 level (32) could be indicative of dehydration, which may be related to the UTI or another underlying condition.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Sepsis: Although the patient's CBC is unremarkable, the presence of a UTI and elevated glucose level could be indicative of an underlying infection that may progress to sepsis if left untreated.
    • Pyelonephritis: The patient's urinalysis results could also suggest pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney that requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Although the patient's glucose level is elevated, there is no clear indication of ketoacidosis. However, DKA is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that should be considered in patients with diabetes or those at risk for developing diabetes.
    • Urethritis or Cystitis due to a less common organism: The presence of WBCs and bacteria in the urinalysis could suggest an infection caused by a less common organism, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, which may require specific treatment.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.